Habits often fail because they are too strict, and when we don’t stick to them, we feel discouraged. It’s easy to break a habit, but getting back on track can be tough.
This is where the Two-Day Rule comes in. It helps you stay emotionally strong and continue building good habits, even when life gets in the way.
The Power of Small Habits
Habits shape most of what we do every day. In fact, a study shows that over 40% of our daily decisions are actually habits, not choices.
That means we do things without thinking about them. But habits can be both good and bad. The key to success is to make sure the habits you form are the ones that help you reach your goals.
Building a Routine
A great way to build habits is by creating a routine. For example, if you want to make five cold calls every day, set a time to do it and stick to it.
Soon, it won’t feel like a choice—it will just be part of your day. Breaking down a goal into daily actions is the key to success.
What Happens When You Break Your Routine
Life happens, and sometimes, your routine gets interrupted. Maybe you miss a day of your new habit. When this happens, it’s easy to feel like you’ve failed.
You think, “I’ll try again tomorrow,” but then a week passes, and the habit is gone. This is where emotions can work against you.
The Two-Day Rule
Matt D’Avella, a YouTuber, introduced the Two-Day Rule. The idea is simple: never let two days pass without working toward your goal.
If you miss a day, that’s okay—just make sure you get back on track the next day. If you planned to make five cold calls but only made three, that’s still progress. Don’t let one day off turn into a week.
Why the Two-Day Rule Works
Science backs up this approach. A study on exercise showed that people who followed a flexible routine worked out more than those with a strict routine.
Why? Because life is unpredictable. When you have a flexible routine, you can adapt. You don’t have to follow a rigid plan to succeed.
How to Use the Two-Day Rule
To use the Two-Day Rule, pick a habit you want to form. Set a routine and stick to it. If you miss a day, don’t stress—just get back on track the next day.
This flexibility makes it easier to keep going, even when things don’t go as planned. Your emotions will work for you, not against you.
The Two-Day Rule is a simple way to build lasting habits. By allowing yourself some flexibility and not being too hard on yourself, you’re more likely to stick to your goals.
So, if you miss a day, remember: just get back at it tomorrow. You’ll feel better, and your habits will stick in the long run.
